Devices To Help Achieve Or Maintain An Erection - Treating Erectile Dysfunction: Mens Sexual Health

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Devices to help achieve or maintain an erection

If none of the medications are helpful or appropriate for you, or if you just don't want to use them, there are other options. In particular, you can turn to a number of different devices to produce or maintain an erection.

Penile band

A penile band may help men who can get an erection but can't sustain it because of venous leakage. These ring-like devices, which don't require a prescription (Actis, Erecxel), fasten around the base of the erect penis to keep blood from escaping. Penile bands are completely effective when used properly.

Vacuum erection devices

Until prescription medications came along, the only proven at-home therapy for erectile dysfunction involved using a vacuum pump. With this therapy, you lubricate your penis and put it into an airtight plastic cylinder that's attached to a handheld pump (see Figure 9). Some pumps are manual, while others operate on a battery. In either case, air is pumped out of the cylinder to create a vacuum, which increases blood flow to the penis. Once an erection occurs, which usually takes about five minutes, you remove your penis from the cylinder and fit a rubber ring around the base of the penis to prevent blood from draining away. The erection lasts until the ring is removed.

Figure 9: Vacuum device This technique creates an erection by way of a vacuum pump. A man lubricates his penis and puts it into an airtight plastic cylinder attached to a handheld pump. Air is pumped out of the cylinder to create a vacuum, which increases blood flow to the penis and causes an erection.

Vacuum pumps are noninvasive and highly effective, working for about 80% of men. Their advantage over medication is that they can be used as often as a man wants. But there are several disadvantages. Having to fuss with the pump can interrupt lovemaking. And some men find the pumps difficult to use.

In addition, the erection doesn't feel as natural as one produced by a drug. Although firm, the erection can be somewhat floppy because it starts above the base of the penis. About 10% of men have side effects, such as pain, bruising, or difficulty ejaculating, any of which can cause discomfort during sexual activity. Also, these pumps are not an option for men with blood disorders, such as blood-clotting irregularities or leukemia.

Last updated:	September 05, 2008